The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Edward Ruess (MCSN: 0-27045), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon Leader, attached to Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, 13 May 1945. Landing his platoon in the assault on a heavily defended enemy ridge near Sugar Loaf Hill, First Lieutenant Ruess suddenly encountered intense hostile fire from concealed Japanese emplacements which seriously wounded him and resulted in numerous casualties among his men. Unable to determine the sources of enemy fire, he deliberately exposed himself to the Japanese in order that covering fire could be effectively directed. Mortally wounded during this action, First Lieutenant Ruess, by his valiant conduct and unflinching devotion to duty, had enabled adjacent units to cover the withdrawal of his men and the evacuation of casualties. His courage, fortitude and self-sacrificing spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.